Elisha built a close relationship with a couple in Shunem who cared for him, and he interceded to God on their behalf to miraculously have a child (2 Kgs. 4:8-17). Some years later, the child died at a young age, which threw the “soul” of the mother into “deep distress” (4:18-27). But when her husband spoke with her, she said, “It is well” (4:23). When Gehazi spoke with her, she said, “It is well” (4:26). But when she came to Elisha, she poured her heart out (4:27-28).
Sometimes when we only see people in passing, it’s easy to say, “How are you doing?” And it’s easy to just get a quick response, “I’m fine.” But often people are not fine. This Shunammite woman was not fine, but she made it appear so to some. How much time do you spend with your brethren? Not just with quick conversations in the church building—that’s only “fine.”
How much time do you spend building relationships outside the building that get beyond surface level? How much genuine “love” (John 13:34), “care” (1 Cor. 12:25) and “compassion” (1 Pet. 3:8) do you have for your brethren?